Ira Clark

Ira Clark was an African-American US Army corporal during the American Civil War.

Biography
Ira Clark was an African-American former slave, and he joined the 5th Massachusetts Cavalry during the American Civil War. He fought at the Battle of Jenkins' Ferry in 1864, taking no Confederate prisoners due to the Confederates' previous massacre of captured black troops at Poison Springs. Following the battle, he was interviewed by President Abraham Lincoln, and he complained about the lack of opportunity for black soldiers, expressing hope that, in 100 years, blacks could vote. He then shipped out with the 24th Infantry for an assault on Wilmington a week later.